Commercial lending is playing a larger role in broker businesses across Australia. In fact, broker-settled commercial mortgages have reached record levels. The MFAA’s most recent Industry Intelligence Service Report shows more than 7,000 mortgage brokers wrote commercial loans in the six months from April 2024 to September 2024.
Why more residential brokers are moving into commercial
Moving from residential to commercial lending supports income diversification, strengthens business resilience and opens new growth pathways. For many brokers, the opportunity already exists within their current client base, where home loan customers also require business or commercial property finance.
As MA Money’s Head of Commercial, Craig Stuart, explains, “Many residential brokers already apply the core skills required for commercial lending every day. The real hurdle tends to be confidence rather than capability.”
That’s why MA Money has deliberately designed its commercial process to feel familiar, using the same platform and a consistent approach to deal submission and packaging.
What makes commercial mortgages feel intimidating
Perceptions from the outside looking in
Commercial lending now sits firmly within scope for many broker businesses, with clear opportunities inside existing client relationships. Even so, its reputation for heavy paperwork and slow progress means brokers considering a move from residential to commercial lending often expect long timelines, detailed questioning and unclear outcomes, which can delay action.
Traditional commercial funders vs a simplified model
Traditional commercial funding models contribute heavily to this perception. Extensive documentation requests and deep reviews of historical financials can stretch simple scenarios into prolonged processes.
MA Money’s broker-first commercial model shifts the experience. Clear documentation pathways, practical assessment and early scenario guidance support consistent outcomes through commercial mortgages for brokers.
The MA Money way: making commercial feel familiar
A familiar process with support built in
MA Money commercial mortgages fit naturally into existing broker workflows. Commercial deals are submitted through the same ApplyOnline platform used for residential, with a fully digital process that feels familiar from the outset.
Policies are clear and progress is visible. BDMs and scenario specialists support early conversations and deal structure, helping brokers shape scenarios and gain direction before time is invested. The same 48-hour SLA for conditional approval applies to commercial, bringing speed and certainty into every stage of the process.
Flexibility grounded in experience
MA Money’s approach is shaped by years of experience delivering similar products through the residential channel, supporting an open-minded view of real-world client scenarios.
Alt Doc, Light Doc and Lease Doc options sit alongside full doc pathways supported by one year of financials, with dedicated commercial teams taking a practical view on business needs such as ATO debt and equity release. Clear training, pricing and policy visibility help commercial mortgages become a natural extension of everyday lending for brokers.
How to package a commercial deal the simple way
Get clear on the client and the story
Good commercial deals start with a clear picture of the borrower and the business. MA Money looks for scenarios that explain who the client is, what the business does and how long it has been operating. Business duration, credit profile and balance sheet strength all help set context early and keep the assessment focused.
Be direct about purpose and security
Commercial lending starts with purpose. The use of funds needs to be clearly business-related, because commercial applications are assessed as unregulated loans.
Security also sits at the centre of every commercial deal. MA Money looks closely at the property offered as collateral, including the type of commercial asset, its location, condition and whether it is owner-occupied or tenanted. Understanding how income is generated and how the loan will be supported over time remains fundamental to a strong commercial outcome.
Use early support to lift outcomes
Knowing the client well and aligning the scenario to the right structure makes a real difference. MA Money commercial mortgages are designed around early collaboration. Using the MA Money scenario template and workshopping deals with a BDM helps refine structure and direction before submission.
That early clarity drives stronger conversion and helps brokers progress commercial mortgages with confidence and consistency.
Ready to make commercial mortgages feel familiar?
Commercial lending has become a practical next step for brokers looking to strengthen their business and support more client needs.
MA Money commercial mortgages are designed to mirror the way brokers already work, combining familiar platforms, early support and flexible thinking. With clear pathways and strong collaboration, brokers can progress commercial mortgages with confidence.
Information for broker use only. This article does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice and does not take into account personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek independent advice from a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. Applications for credit are subject to eligibility and lending criteria. Fees, charges, T&Cs apply (available on request). MA Money Financial Services Pty Ltd ACN 639 174 315 Australian Credit Licence 522267.
